Palakkad, March 20 – The otherwise predictable Ottapalam constituency in Kerala's Palakkad has become one of the most intense battlegrounds in the April 9 Assembly elections, with a dramatic three-way contest featuring a turncoat, a film personality, and an incumbent legislator.
At the heart of the contest is P.K. Sasi, a former prominent figure in the CPI(M) who represented the nearby Shornur Assembly constituency in 2016.
After being denied a ticket in 2021 due to internal issues, Sasi was appointed as the chairman of the Kerala State Tourism Development Corporation, a position he relinquished last month, which formally led to his departure from the party.
Now, he is contesting as an Independent backed by the Congress, a decision that was cleared by the party leadership earlier this week.
Known for his outspoken style, Sasi has become a rallying point for disgruntled CPI(M) workers, particularly in Palakkad.
His entry has injected an element of unpredictability into what was once considered a Left stronghold.
Adding to the intrigue is the BJP's candidate, Major Ravi, a former NSG commando who was part of the team that tracked down the assassins of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
After his decorated military career, Ravi transitioned into cinema, carving a niche in Malayalam films and collaborating with superstar Mohanlal in a series of military-themed roles that redefined his image as a successful director.
Ravi's political journey has also been eventful, moving from early BJP leanings to a brief association with the Congress party before formally joining the BJP in 2023.
While he enjoys strong name recognition, translating that into votes remains the key challenge.
Defending the seat for the CPI(M) is sitting MLA K. Premkumar, a popular figure locally.
Backed by the district's traditional Left allegiance, Premkumar enters the fray with significant advantages.
However, the open dissent within party ranks, partly fueled by Sasi's rebellion, has added an unusual layer of vulnerability.
The Congress, which has not tasted victory here in over 25 years, is pinning its hopes on Sasi to break through the CPI(M)'s stronghold.
With past winning margins ranging between 13,000 and 15,000 votes, even a modest swing could prove decisive.
As Ottapalam prepares for polling day, the contest is shaping up as a fascinating test of loyalty versus rebellion, popularity versus organization, and whether star power or grassroots connections will ultimately prevail.